- excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker
Cigarette smoking is directly linked to 30% of all heart disease deaths in the United States each year. It plays a part in coronary heart disease, and causes damage by decreasing oxygen to the heart. Smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are hard on the heart. Quitting tobacco is the absolute best thing you can do for your heart and for your health overall.
Congratulations!
You have made great use of this past year. You are now 365 days away from that destructive habit which was killing you slowly, one cigarette at a time. Be grateful for the freedom you have created for yourself.
Protect and nurture it. Quit smoking benefits will continue to grow as you move forward from here.
Here at About.com Smoking Cessation we offer certificates (free) to commemorate your first year smoke free. They can be printed out and framed or used as a wallpaper background for your computer. You've worked hard for your freedom! Select a certificate and we'll personalize it and send it out to you as a .jpg file.
One Year Milestones
Statistics tell us that only 7% of those who quit without support are still smoke free at the end of their first year. Fortify your cessation program with plenty of support from the forum at About.com.
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At 2 years smoke free:
- your chance of achieving long-term success with quitting tobacco increases significantly
Smoking Relapse Rates Drop Off Sharply After Two Years
If you're thinking about quitting smoking, there is no time like the present to get started. Change begins with a single first step. Stop just thinking about quitting, and start taking action. Throw the cigarettes away, and start your quit today.
Quit Smoking Benefits: 5 to 15 Years